Washington lawmakers join Texas suit against Obama on immigration

A Texas-led lawsuit challenging President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration got some legal support Wednesday from a group of Washington lawmakers, including Texas U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.

Joined by San Antonio Republican Lamar Smith and the American Center for Law and Justice, the group filed an amicus brief with the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in support of a federal judge’s decision blocking the president’s order from taking effect.

“As I have said all along and a federal court affirmed, President Obama exceeded his authority when he went around Congress to unilaterally change our nation’s immigration laws,” Cornyn said.

Earlier in the day, Cruz announced that he will hold a Senate hearing on Thursday to discuss the case, which is currently under appeal.